Rolling Hills Zoo
Rolling Hills Zoo welcomed its two millionth visitor through the gates early Sunday afternoon, as Ryan VanZant, the zoo’s executive director, shared the exciting news with Richard Craft, an unsuspecting Fort Hays State student.
Joining him for a visit to the zoo were his girlfriend, Karah Strecker; mother, Rose Marie Craft; sister, Rachel Hale and 2-year-old niece, Grace Lynn Hale. Since Craft’s family lives in Newton, they decided to meet at Rolling Hills Zoo on Sunday “just to get out and enjoy a nice spring day,” he said.
Not a newcomer to Rolling Hills Zoo, this is actually Craft’s third visit to the zoo, as he told zoo officials “I just really enjoy looking at all of the animals. They are pretty cool.”
Craft also loves the zoo’s new Pride of the Prairie exhibit and seeing the lions. And then of course there is the ice cream served at the Overlook Restaurant, another one of his favorite things at the zoo.
As the zoo’s two millionth visitor, Craft received a gift basket valued at more than $575, including a Rolling Hills Zoo family membership, a $200 RHZ gift certificate, and a private golf cart tour of the zoo.
“Thank you! I am beyond lucky to be the two millionth guest,” Craft said, once he had a chance to soak in this unexpected, but very pleasant surprise.
Rolling Hills Zoo will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary in October 2024, at which time it will be on its way to the 2.5 millionth visitor.